Exercise Science

Waynesburg University Exercise Science Bachelor of Science Degree Program

There is an ever growing emphasis on fitness and health. The career goals of an exercise science professional are to serve to develop healthy exercise, physical activity, and lifestyle management for all individuals. A primary goal of the proposed exercise science degree program is to develop professionals who are willing to help all individuals achieve an optimal level of health and well-being.

Waynesburg University has re-designed the exercise science curriculum to maximize the development of professionals interested in movement and exercise for all individuals. Re-designing the Exercise Science Program to Waynesburg University for undergraduates will prepare students for immediate entry level positions within business and industry, or in clinical exercise settings. This degree can also provide a gateway for advance degrees and/or certifications within the healthcare professions.

The Exercise Science Program will enrich students within the Christian tradition and mission of developing men and women for life, leadership, and service.

This program will:

Provide exposure to both implementing and maximizing exercise potential as it pertains to clinical, mainstream, and athletic populations.

Prepare students to pursue study in graduate programs in exercise and health-related sciences.

Offer internships for students in their specific areas of interest.

Prepare students to take professional certification examinations in health-fitness and strength and conditioning.

Work with students' interests, and provides guidance on professional and career-related planning.

Programs Offered

Exercise Science Program

Exercise Science is the science of human movement, serving to optimize exercise, physical activity, and lifestyle management for all people. A goal of exercise science remains to help all individuals achieve an optimal level of health and well-being.

Exercise Science/Pre-AT Program

Strategic Alliance Announcement: The Athletic Training Strategic Alliance (BOC, CAATE, NATA and NATA Foundation), under the lead of NATA and CAATE, have been actively engaged in a critical examination of what the appropriate professional degree level should be to best prepare athletic trainers for an integral role in the evolving health care system. The NATA Board of Directors and the Commissioners of the CAATE, with the full support of the Board of Certification and the NATA Research & Education Foundation, have agreed to establish the professional degree in athletic training at the master’s level.

Waynesburg University has institutionally approved the transition of the Athletic Training Program to the graduate degree level.

Waynesburg University Athletic Training Major is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) through the 2019-2020 academic school year. A substantive change request has been submitted to CAATE to transition the accreditation of our program to the Professional Master of Science Degree Athletic Training Program. Anticipated change – 2018- 2019 academic school year.

While preparing students to help individuals achieve an optimal level of health and well-being, the Pre-AT program will lead students to an entrance into the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program. This is a 5 year concurrent program which will lead to a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Master of Science in Athletic Training Degrees upon completion.

To learn more about Waynesburg University's Master of Science in Athletic Training Program, click here!

Exercise Science Pre-MBA Program

Progressing exercise science students to the sports management track within the MBA program will allow students to have directed coursework related to a career in an administrative or managerial position within the health, wellness, and fitness profession. This program will also provide an increase marketability for the student for having formal education and an advanced/post-professional degree to help them within their chosen field.

Job Opportunities

Industry and Corporate Settings

Worksite Wellness Programming

Fitness and Wellness Director

Counseling and Educator

Athletic Settings

Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Coaching

Performance Enhancement (Conditioning and Personal Training)

Community, Recreation, or Government Settings

Adult Fitness

Pediatric/Geriatric Health and Fitness

Medical Institutions

Movement-Oriented Therapy

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Research Assistant

Pursue advanced post-professional degree

Specific job opportunities include the following (may require further education):

One thing that sets Waynesburg apart is that students are accepted into the advanced program and begin core classes and clinical rotations sophomore year, as opposed to other schools where that doesn’t happen until the start of junior year. Having that extra year of clinical experience really helped because I was able to call on past experiences other interns may not have had.